In a disturbing incident, a group of Florida correctional officers allegedly assaulted an inmate to the point that his own mother could not recognize him, which resulted in criminal charges being filed.

“It was complete horror,” expressed Mary Pratt, the mother of Christopher Castro, upon first seeing an image of her 30-year-old son after the alleged attack at Dade Correctional Institution in West Miami-Dade on April 6, as reported by local ABC affiliate WPLG.

“His head was sunken in,” she told the outlet this week. “That was not my son, what I [saw] in that picture.”

Seven officers from the Florida Department of Corrections face charges including battery and evidence tampering due to the alleged assault in the jail, based on court documents. This group includes former Lt. Shentrica Clark, 40; Officers Jordy Calero, 23, and Travon Norman, 29; Sgts. Deandre Hill, 24; Freddie Morgan, 35; and Richard Jackson.

“They need to be held accountable,” Pratt seethed. “These are the people that are supposed to be watching over them.”

Christopher Castro after he was allegedly assaulted by correctional officers (State Attorney’s Office).

As outlined in an arrest warrant, Castro, who is currently serving a 15-year sentence for burglary and other offenses, was taken from a shower area and escorted to a spot near Clark’s office “where there are no surveillance cameras,” as reported by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. The two officers responsible for his escort stated to investigators that Castro had no visible injuries and was handcuffed behind his back, following protocol.

The warrant further notes that upon reaching the area outside Clark’s office, Castro and the officers were allegedly joined by “main unit officers” Anglin, Calero, Norman, Jackson, Hill, and Morgan. When the officers attempted to move Castro to a nearby holding cell, he reportedly resisted by trying to “drop his weight,” according to the warrant details.

“The victim was kicked and punched several times in his face, on his head, on his back, and on his arms which were handcuffed behind his back,” the warrant says. “After the beating, the victim was escorted back to his cell by the main unit officers. As the victim was being escorted back to his cell, several witnesses observed that the victim had significant facial bruising, bleeding, and scratches.”

Castro told police investigators that after he was returned to his cell, he requested emergency medical attention. “The victim was told that his request was denied,” according to the warrant. Clark later claimed that Castro “tried to stab a corrections officer in the recreational yard” and was seeking medical attention “because he wanted to get out of his cell,” the warrant adds.

While speaking to another officer following a shift change, Clark allegedly did not inform them of the “use of force” on Castro. The other officer saw “visible injuries” on Castro’s face and “blood on his shirt,” according to police. They “immediately” contacted the warden and informed them of Castro’s condition, which led to photographs being taken for an internal review and the police to be called, the warrant says.

While speaking to cops about what allegedly happened, Clark allegedly stated that she received a phone call from Clark earlier in the day and was informed that Castro had been “rowdy” and “possibly possessed a weapon.”

A strip search was authorized, and no weapons were found. Clark claimed that Castro “only had a little knot on his head” and would be okay, according to police. He was eventually taken to get medical attention after repeatedly complaining of a headache.

“He was unrecognizable,” Pratt said about her battered son. “I was horrified.”

Castro was transferred from Homestead to the Wakulla Correctional Institution in North Florida after the alleged incident, according to WPLG. All of the officers who were allegedly involved in the assault have since been dismissed.